Rapids fireworks for July 4 and 7 matches not affected by fire bans

Ever since 1996, local soccer fans have enjoyed Independence Day with a Colorado Rapids match and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state. The tradition will continue in 2013, with Commerce City working closely with the Rapids and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to make sure the event is safe and fun for everyone attending the annual 4thFest celebration, as well as an additional fireworks night on July 7.

“The fireworks show put on by the Rapids and Commerce City is a great tradition, and we will again make sure that the display is done with safety as the top priority,” said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “By working so closely with Commerce City and the Adams County Sherriff’s Department, we’re able to ensure that our fireworks display is safe, and that it does not draw resources away from wildfire-fighting efforts. We look forward to welcoming everyone once again to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for a great match and impressive fireworks display, this year on both July 4 and July 7.”

The Rapids have hosted a match on July 4th in 15 of the 16 years since the inaugural 1996 season, with the 2011 match played on July 3. Overall, the Rapids are 11-3-3 on the Annual 4thFest match day, with eight of those games won on goals scored in the 69th minute or later.

Below is more information from Commerce City’s press release on the July 4 and July 7 events at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park:

With the recent dry conditions across Colorado and multiple wildfires burning in the state, metro Denver residents are invited to celebrate this Fourth of July safely at one of the best firework shows around.

Commerce City, in partnership with the South Adams Fire District, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal

National Wildlife Refuge and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, is taking necessary precautions to provide a safe and enjoyable fireworks display. The city’s detailed operations plan includes watering down the open space property and staging emergency response personnel and equipment to respond if necessary.

Commerce City’s free 4thFest on Thursday, July 4th begins outside the south end of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Outdoor festivities kickoff at 5 p.m. with a zip line, ropes course, mechanical bull, climbing wall, musical acts and many other activities all ages will enjoy. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. following the Colorado Rapids Game (tickets available for purchase at www.coloradorapids.com), choreographed to patriotic music simulcast over 92.5 The Wolf.

The Commerce City Police Department is taking a strict enforcement stance and will be increasing shifts and coverage to enforce the fireworks ban in neighborhoods and parks within the city. All personal fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or sell within city limits and fines for violating the ban start at $100. Citizens making complaints regarding firework violations will be given priority by the police enforcement teams.